What system offers approach paths with course and altitude guidance to a runway?

The Instrument Landing System (ILS) is designed to provide precision guidance to aircraft during the approach and landing phases. It integrates both lateral (course) and vertical (altitude) guidance, allowing pilots to accurately align their aircraft with the runway and descend to the correct landing altitude, especially in low-visibility conditions.

ILS consists of a localizer signal that assists with the horizontal alignment by providing the required course guidance to the runway centerline, and a glide slope component that offers vertical guidance to ensure that the aircraft descends at the proper angle to reach the runway threshold. This combination makes ILS a preferred system for precision approaches, significantly enhancing safety and efficiency during landings.

In contrast, while other systems such as VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range), VORTAC (VOR/TACAN), and RNAV (Area Navigation) can aid in navigation and may facilitate approaches, they do not provide the same level of precision in terms of both course and altitude guidance specifically tailored to the runway environment as does the ILS.